Nigeria is intensifying efforts to build a safer digital environment for children as government, industry leaders, civil society, and academia gathered in Abuja for a high-level roundtable focused on the Protection of Children Online.
The engagement was convened by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), bringing together key stakeholders across the technology ecosystem to address the increasing risks children face in the digital space.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, noted that as Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, equal attention must be given to safeguarding young users who are increasingly active online.
He emphasized that building an inclusive digital economy requires not only expanding access to opportunities but also ensuring that children can safely participate in the digital world.
According to him, the discussions at the roundtable reinforced the need for collective responsibility in addressing online safety challenges. He stressed that parents, schools, regulators, technology companies, and civil society all have critical roles to play in creating a safer online environment.
Participants at the forum assessed emerging risks facing children online and explored coordinated strategies to mitigate them. Key areas of focus included strengthening digital literacy, improving platform accountability, and designing systems that prioritize child safety and well-being.
Dr. Tijani further noted that as technology becomes more embedded in daily life, Nigeria must continue to develop safeguards that protect children while also promoting innovation and responsible digital growth.
The roundtable is part of broader national efforts to ensure that Nigeria’s digital transformation remains inclusive, secure, and future-ready.
